U.S. Scott #178 - Used - Graded Good (SL01-0001-07-04)

Item Specifics

Country

United States

Catalog Number

178

Stamp Type

General Issue

Condition

Used

Centering

F/VF

Stamp Format

Single

Certificate Grade

65 & Below

Year of Issue

1875

Item Description

Stamp Evaluation – Scott #178 (Used, Hinged – Single Stamp)
2¢ Vermilion – Andrew Jackson, 1875
(Banknote Re-Issue of the 1870-71 National Bank Note Issue – Engraved, Hard White Paper, Perf 12)

Design Overview:
Scott #178 is the 2¢ vermilion Andrew Jackson stamp, part of the 1875 Continental Bank Note Company’s official reissue of earlier National Bank Note issues. It was engraved on hard white paper and perforated 12, issued to satisfy demand from collectors. The stamp features a profile portrait of Andrew Jackson in an oval frame, with the denomination inscribed “TWO 2 CENTS” at the bottom and “U.S. POSTAGE” above. This reissue was never valid for postal use and exists only in unused or canceled-to-order form, with authentic postally used examples being rare.

This specimen is postally used and bears a black target-style cancellation. It has been hinged and has no remaining original gum. Hinging is not factored into grading.

Grading Breakdown:
Centering Grade: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
The margins are visibly clear of the design on all four sides, though the left and bottom are narrower than the right and top. The design is not impinged, and the spacing is sufficient to meet the Fine/Very Fine threshold. There is slight imbalance, but the stamp remains better centered than average for the issue.

Soundness Evaluation:
This stamp exhibits the following faults:
Fault: Moderate crease, extending through much of the lower half of the stamp.
Minor Fault: Light secondary crease, vertically near the right side.
Very Minor Fault: Light cancellation bleed-through visible on the back of the stamp.
These faults combine to yield a Soundness Classification: Fault, based on the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, which specifies that a moderate crease and additional creasing constitute a Fault.
Soundness Deduction: –30 points

Perforations and Margins:
Perforation Gauge: 12, consistent with issue.
All perforation teeth are present.
There are no signs of reperforation or trimming.
Perforation tips are intact and even.
Margin width varies, with the left and bottom sides more narrow but not encroaching on the design.

Cancellation Classification:
The stamp bears a target-style black cancellation. While the cancel is bold and somewhat heavy over the portrait, it does not completely obscure the design and leaves key elements recognizable.
Cancellation Classification: Heavy Cancel
Eye Appeal Adjustment: –10 points

Final Numerical Grade Calculation:
Component Value
Centering Grade 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness Deduction –30 (Fault)
Adjusted Base Grade 49 (Good/Very Good)
Eye Appeal Adjustment –10 (Heavy Cancel)
Final Grade 39 (Good – GD)

Final Summary:
Scott Number: 178
Condition: Used, Hinged, No Gum
Centering: 79 (Fine/Very Fine)
Soundness: Fault (moderate crease, light crease, cancellation bleed-through)
Perforations: Perf 12, intact, unaltered
Cancellation: Heavy target cancel, obscures part of portrait
Eye Appeal: –10 point deduction
Final Grade: 39 (Good – GD)

Final Verdict:
This postally used example of Scott #178 offers decent centering for the issue and full perforations. However, it is affected by a moderate crease and other minor flaws, alongside a heavy cancel that reduces its visual impact. Under the 2009 PSE Grading Guide, these combined factors result in a final grade of 39 (Good).

Seller Information

Seller

jamisonenterprises (714)

Registered Since

03/18/2005

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Store

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Item Location

California, United States

Ships To

Worldwide

Returns Accepted

No

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